2019 Update — VELSN is preparing a submission to the NEPC on Australia’s Ambient Air Quality standards

VELSN is currently preparing to make a submission to the National Environmental Protection Council (NEPC) — a national body comprised of environment ministers from Commonwealth, state and territory governments — regarding proposed variations to the National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM) on Ambient Air Quality.
 
The Ambient Air Quality NEPM establishes Australia’s air quality standards and a national framework for monitoring and reporting on a number of common air pollutants. Over two decades after Australia’s first national air pollution standards were adopted in 1998, the outdated standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are being revised. 
 
While NEPMs exist as a set of national objectives and do not compel or direct pollution control measures, they are significant for shaping pollution legislation in each Australian jurisdiction. Improved national standards are critical to reforming pollution-heavy industries and addressing the serious public health and environmental impacts of Australia’s broader air quality problem. 
 
The NEPC is currently inviting public review and comment on a Variation Impact Statement that it released last week. The Impact Statement contains a review of Australia’s current standards and makes recommendations as to possible changes. The public consultation period will end Wednesday 7 August 2019. 

For more information regarding the Ambient Air Quality NEPM variation and the Impact Statement, visit the NEPC’s website.
 
In preparing our submission to the NEPC, VELSN will be inviting it’s members and Victorian students to participate in two working group sessions to assist with the research process, contribute to our policy stance and express their concerns about Australia’s air quality standards.
 
Follow our website for updates on the submission process and further details on our working group events.